The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, completed a decade in 2025. Over this period, AMRUT has aimed to improve basic urban infrastructure in India, focusing on sectors like water supply, sewerage management, stormwater drainage, green spaces, and non-motorized urban transport.

Key Features of AMRUT

• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

• Launch: Initially launched for 500 selected cities to enhance basic infrastructure.

• Primary Sectors:

  • Water Supply

  • Sewerage & Septage Management

  • Stormwater Drainage

  • Green Spaces & Parks

  • Non-Motorized Urban Transport (though this component was later excluded in AMRUT 2.0)

AMRUT 2.0

In 2021, AMRUT evolved into AMRUT 2.0, with a more targeted approach:

• Focus Areas:

  • Water and Sewerage: Specifically targeting the provision of tap water to all households in statutory towns and improving sewerage management.

  • Exclusions: The urban transport component was removed in AMRUT 2.0.

• Key Components of AMRUT 2.0:

  • Pey Jal Survekshan: A challenge-based assessment to evaluate water supply service levels, reuse, sewerage, and water conservation.

  • Behaviour Change Communication: Promoting water conservation and improving water use efficiency.

  • Technology Sub-Mission: Encouraging start-up innovation and private entrepreneurship through expert-reviewed pilot projects.

• Other Features:

  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Mandatory in cities with a population of over 1 million.

  • Outcome-Based Funding: Cities must meet targets to access funding.

  • Community Participation: Special focus on women's self-help groups.

  • Circular Water Economy: Focus on recycling and reusing treated sewage, water body rejuvenation, and water conservation.

• Monitoring Mechanism:

  • National Level: Apex Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

  • State Level: State High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary of the State.

Key Achievements Under AMRUT

1. Water and Sewer Connections:

   • 2.03 crore tap connections and 1.50 crore sewer connections were provided to households across cities under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0.

2. LED Streetlights:

   • 99 lakh LED streetlights were installed, leading to a savings of 666 crore kWh in power consumption and a reduction of 46 lakh tonnes of CO₂ annually.

3. Green Spaces and Parks:

   • Over 6,800 acres of green space were developed.

   • Nearly 3,000 parks were created, contributing to environmental sustainability and improving the urban quality of life.

Limitations and Challenges in Implementation

While AMRUT has delivered several important infrastructure improvements, there are notable challenges that have hindered its full potential:

1. Inadequate Health Outcomes:

   • Despite the focus on water and sanitation, India still faces severe issues with waterborne diseases, poor sanitation, and hygiene practices, leading to an estimated 200,000 deaths annually.

2. Environmental Concerns Unaddressed:

   • AMRUT’s focus on reducing air pollution did not address the worsening air quality in many urban centers, prompting the launch of the National Clean Air Programme in 2019.

3. Implementation Delays:

   • Some states, particularly Bihar and Assam, have faced delays in project completion and have not fully utilized the PPP model, even though funds have been released regularly.

4. Limited Coverage and Scope:

   • Initially, AMRUT covered only 500 cities, leaving out many smaller towns that still lack basic infrastructure. This limited coverage has left numerous areas behind in terms of urban development.

5. Overlap with Other Schemes:

   • AMRUT overlaps with other flagship schemes like Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, leading to fragmented funding and potential duplication of efforts.

Way Forward

To ensure AMRUT continues to contribute effectively to urban transformation, several improvements and new approaches should be considered:

1. Holistic, People-Centric Approach:

   • Future planning should integrate people-centric development, focusing not just on infrastructure but also on community empowerment and inclusive urban growth.

2. Urban Local Body (ULB) Capacity Building:

   • To improve governance, there should be a stronger focus on capacity building for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), equipping them with the skills and tools to manage projects more effectively.

3. Expansion to Smaller Towns:

   • To address regional disparities, the scope of AMRUT should be expanded to include smaller towns, addressing the infrastructure needs of non-500 cities.

4. Climate-Resilient and Nature-Based Solutions:

   • Incorporating climate-resilient and nature-based solutions is crucial to ensure that urban growth is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Solutions like rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and urban wetlands could be integrated into the future phases of AMRUT.

5. Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability:

   • Strengthening the monitoring mechanisms at both national and state levels will help ensure that projects are completed on time and that funds are used efficiently.

Conclusion

As AMRUT marks its decade-long journey, it is clear that while significant strides have been made in improving urban infrastructure, challenges remain. The focus going forward should be on a holistic, sustainable, and inclusive approach to urban development. Governance reforms, better coordination between schemes, and the expansion of coverage to smaller towns will be crucial to realizing the full potential of the scheme.

India's defense sector has received a major boost with the approval of the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a project aimed at producing India’s own 5th-generation fighter jet. This strategic initiative is poised to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) capabilities and align with India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defense technology.

AMCA Programme Overview

• Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its nod for the AMCA program in 2024.

• Objective: To develop a 5th-generation fighter jet for the IAF, ensuring cutting-edge technological capabilities and enhanced operational performance.

• Timeline:

  • Prototype expected by 2028-29.

  • Induction into service targeted by 2034-35.

• Variants:

  • AMCA Mk1: Powered by GE-F414 engines.

  • AMCA Mk2: Planned to use indigenous engines for greater self-reliance.

• Lead Agency: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), part of DRDO, will oversee the program.

• Industry Partnerships:

  • The ADA will collaborate with both private and public sector companies to implement the program.

  • Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), though traditionally a key player in defense production, will not have exclusive rights. Instead, industry partnerships, including joint ventures or consortia, will be encouraged to bid for the project, provided they are Indian entities.

Features of 5th-Generation Fighter Jets

The 5th-generation fighter jet is the most advanced class of aircraft in service today. These jets are equipped with several cutting-edge features:

• Twin-engine design: Enhances safety, especially if one engine fails during flight.

• Stealth capabilities: Equipped with Low-Probability-of-Intercept Radar (LPIR), these jets are designed to be less detectable by enemy radar.

• Agile airframes with Supercruise: High maneuverability and the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, which saves fuel and increases operational efficiency.

• Advanced avionics: Equipped with high-tech systems for electronic communication, targeting, and battlefield awareness.

• Integrated computer systems: These systems allow for networking with other systems, giving pilots a 360-degree view of the battlefield without needing to maneuver the jet physically.

• High cost of development: The technologies involved are extremely expensive to develop and maintain.

Examples of operational 5th-generation fighter jets include:

• F-22 and F-35 from the United States.

• Sukhoi Su-57 from Russia.

• Chengdu J-20 from China.

Strategic Importance of AMCA

The development of the AMCA holds significant strategic importance for India, particularly in enhancing its defense capabilities and sovereignty:

1. IAF Modernization:

   • The AMCA will bridge the capability gap left by the phaseout of older jets like MiG-29 and Mirage.

   • It will help restore the IAF's depleted squadron strength, which currently stands at 31 squadrons (against an approved strength of 42 squadrons).

2. Regional Threats:

   • The AMCA will bolster India's air defense capabilities against growing regional threats, such as China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s J-10C, which it procured from China.

3. Technological Sovereignty:

   • By indigenizing the production of a 5th-generation fighter jet, the AMCA will reduce India's dependency on foreign platforms, increasing self-reliance and enhancing its long-term defense autonomy.

4. Atmanirbhar Bharat:

   • The project aligns with India’s vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat", promoting domestic defense manufacturing, and technological innovation. It will foster the growth of a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem.

Execution Challenges and Strategy for Success

To ensure the successful execution of the AMCA program, several key measures and strategies will be needed:

1. Enabling Ecosystem:

   • Ease land acquisition norms to facilitate setting up production facilities.

   • Invest in defense-specific industrial infrastructure to support the long-term manufacturing requirements of AMCA.

2. Private Sector Participation:

   • Strengthening private sector capabilities will be critical. The program must leverage the experience of HAL, but also actively engage private companies in aircraft development and production.

3. Investment in R&D and Technology Transfers:

   • India must establish a framework for investment and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that facilitates technology transfer specific to this program.

   • Collaboration with foreign firms may also be necessary for knowledge sharing, especially in advanced technologies like stealth design and supercruise capabilities.

4. Skill Development:

   • Focus on skilling the Indian workforce, particularly in advanced aeronautical engineering and defense technology, to ensure the success of indigenous fighter aircraft programs.

5. Long-Term Vision:

   • As AMCA Mk1 relies on GE-F414 engines, India should focus on developing indigenous engine technology for AMCA Mk2 to ensure greater self-reliance in engine production.

Conclusion

The AMCA program marks a critical milestone in India's defense modernization efforts. The development of a 5th-generation fighter jet will not only strengthen India's defense capabilities but also help in building technological sovereignty. However, the success of this ambitious project will require strong government support, private sector collaboration, and continuous investment in defense R&D. With the right strategy and execution model, India can pave the way for becoming a global leader in aerospace and defense technology.

The Indian Government has recently issued Model Rules 2025 aimed at promoting agroforestry and regulating the felling of trees on agricultural land. These rules are designed to facilitate the development of agroforestry in India, ensuring that it contributes to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic growth.

Key Features of the Model Rules 2025

• Registration of Land for Agroforestry: The rules establish the process for farmers to register their agricultural land if they intend to engage in agroforestry.

• Felling of Trees: The rules outline the procedure for the felling of trees in agroforestry systems, ensuring that it is done in an environmentally responsible manner.

• Certification and Transit of Timber: They also include provisions for certification and transit of timber produced through agroforestry, making the trade of timber from agroforestry systems more efficient and regulated.

What is Agroforestry?

According to the National Agroforestry Policy 2014, agroforestry is a land-use system that integrates trees and shrubs on farmlands and rural landscapes. This system is designed to:

• Enhance productivity

• Increase profitability

• Promote diversity

• Ensure ecosystem sustainability

The goal is to plant trees in a way that complements crops and livestock, providing multiple benefits to the farmer and the environment. Agroforestry plantations in India currently occupy about 8% of the country's geographical land area.

Significance of Agroforestry

Agroforestry has diverse benefits across various sectors:

• Agricultural Growth:

  • Agroforestry has the potential to support sustained agricultural growth, helping India achieve the 4% growth target in agriculture.

• Economic Impact:

  • Fuelwood: Agroforestry meets almost half of India’s fuelwood demand.

  • Raw Materials: Supplies 60% of the raw material for paper and pulp industries.

  • Fodder: Contributes 9-11% to the green fodder needs of the livestock sector.

• Food Security:

  • Agroforestry increases agricultural yields by an average of 51% and helps in mitigating crop failures. This leads to improved nutrition, health, and community stability.

• Sustainable Development:

  • Carbon Sequestration: It can capture between 13.7 to 27.2 tonnes of CO2 per hectare annually, contributing to climate change mitigation.

  • Soil Health: Improves soil organic carbon content and reduces salinity, enhancing soil fertility. For instance, soil under poplar trees showed a significant improvement in organic carbon (from 0.62% to 1.14%).

  • Climate Resilience: Agroforestry practices enhance climate-smart agriculture by improving resilience to extreme weather conditions like floods and droughts.

• Environmental Benefits:

  • Reduction in Pressure on Natural Forests: By promoting the Trees Outside Forest (TOF) concept, agroforestry can reduce the pressure on natural forests.

  • Nutrient Recycling: Agroforestry leads to better nutrient recycling, soil protection, and reduction of runoff and soil erosion.

• Economic Diversification:

  • Employment Generation: Agroforestry can create jobs, especially in rural areas, while also reducing imports and promoting self-reliance in industries like furniture and construction.

Challenges in Developing Agroforestry

Despite its numerous benefits, agroforestry in India faces several challenges that need to be addressed for its widespread adoption:

1. Policy Gaps:

   • Lack of comprehensive information on suitable tree species due to the absence of an Agroforestry Tree Manual for farmers.

   • Limited emphasis on innovative agroforestry systems, such as aquaforestry (integrating trees with aquaculture).

2. Regulatory Hurdles:

   • Cumbersome permits and taxation at various stages of agroforestry, such as the felling and processing of trees.

   • Underutilization of National Transit Pass System (NTPS): The NTPS allows for the interstate and intrastate transportation of timber, but only 82% of applications have come from 3 states (West Bengal, Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir), indicating underuse.

3. Seed Availability:

   • There is a shortage of superior planting material and improved seed varieties, which is crucial for agroforestry success.

4. Species Over-reliance:

   • Previous policies have focused heavily on a few species like poplar, eucalyptus, and kadam. These species are not always well-suited to India's diverse climates and soils. For example, eucalyptus is highly water-intensive.

5. Lack of Infrastructure:

   • Marketing infrastructure and institutional finance for agroforestry are limited. Farmers face challenges in selling their agroforestry produce due to lack of insurance coverage and limited access to credit.

Conclusion

The Model Rules 2025 mark a significant step toward promoting agroforestry in India by simplifying the regulatory framework for tree felling, ensuring sustainability, and providing a structured approach to agroforestry practices. However, for the success of this initiative, several measures need to be implemented:

1. Policy Reforms: Simplification of existing regulations, a clear Agroforestry Tree Manual, and encouragement of innovative practices like aquaforestry.

2. Better Utilization of NTPS: Strengthening the National Transit Pass System and encouraging more states to participate.

3. Diversification of Tree Species: Encouraging the cultivation of a variety of tree species suitable for local climates and soils.

4. Infrastructure Development: Strengthening marketing and finance infrastructure, along with creating better insurance mechanisms for agroforestry projects.

5. Research and Development: Ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds and supporting research into agroforestry systems tailored to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.

By addressing these challenges and implementing effective policies, agroforestry in India can significantly contribute to agricultural growth, environmental sustainability, and economic self-reliance.